Top 10 real estate posts of the day for 12/2/2009

1) Anatomy of a government-abated fraud: Why Indymac/OneWest always forecloses – WOW… As someone who has recently been working on a short sale with Indymac this actually explains a lot!

2) Keys to Short Sale Success – A short but very informative post on the keys to a successful short sale.

3) Project WordPress: Preferred Plugins – You a WordPress blogging Realtor? Then you will want to check this out for some great plugin suggestions. I even learned about a few that I will be trying.

4) New real estate settlement HUD-1 on the way – Good news for home buyers and sellers, starting January 1 the new HUD statement is going to make things much clearer and protect you more.

5) Grey is Every Theory, Green is the Tree of Life – Proof you can never please everyone. Other things to consider with Case-Shiller is the numbers give a good review of the national housing market, but when it comes to buying or selling your house all real estate is local.

6) Do Cute E-Cards Really Work? – If the e-cards are successful and more people turn to them, then will they become less successful as our inboxes get full?

7) Five Ways to Use GeoMeme For Your Real Estate Business – Do you consider yourself a Realtor 2.0 type? Have you got comfortable with the word “Geo” yet? If not you may end up being behind the curve in the web 3.0 world coming next year.

8) Lend America Slapped by FHA, Closes Their Doors – As Justin McHood has been predicting for a while, another independent mortgage originator down the drain.

9) “Productizing” the Realtor mind – As always Brian Boero nails it on the head, accurate automated housing values, if can be made accurate that is, are bad news for Realtors.

10) Some Predict Recovery With News of Rising Pending Home Sales – Pending sales up 9 months in row, can it really continue in 2010?

http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/digg_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/reddit_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/stumbleupon_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/delicious_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/furl_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/newsvine_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/technorati_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/google_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/facebook_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/yahoobuzz_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/twitter_32.png

Top 5 real estate posts of the day for 9/25/2009

1) You’re fired – When agents or loan officers get fired the buyer still buys a house usually. And 5 clients to dump now – Agents firing buyers.

2) FHA to adopt HVCC-ish guidelines effective January 1, 2010 – Everyone’s favorite new HVCC regulations are about to hit FHA loans, fun, fun fun.

3) The downside of HOA’s – For every $70 in monthly HOA dues you could buy another $10,000 in house.

4) Trulia exposed? – Interesting question, should Trulia have FSBO’s?

5) 7 million more foreclosures to pressure housing market – 7 million more? That’s gonna leave a mark. Make sure you check out the video.

http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/digg_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/reddit_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/stumbleupon_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/delicious_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/furl_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/newsvine_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/technorati_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/google_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/facebook_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/yahoobuzz_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/twitter_32.png

Top 5 real estate posts of the day for 9/22/2009

1) Big changes coming for FHA loans – Starting in January it will be harder for buyers to qualify for an FHA loan.

2) Bonus offers in MLS are bad PR for the industry – Always interesting topic, does more money make the buyers agent push one house over another? I hope not.

3) What’s the downside to investing today? – Every other article on the web these days seems to be how now is the best time ever to buy a home. Here is a post that points out some cautions to keep in mind.

4) Sellers, please evacuate the building – Great topic, but what is really interesting is what @ECNewlin is doing with her blog. She has made it a day in the life of a real estate agent blog.

5) What’s important in an IDX real estate website – Some things you may want to consider when selecting an IDX vendor.

http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/digg_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/reddit_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/stumbleupon_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/delicious_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/furl_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/newsvine_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/technorati_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/google_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/facebook_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/yahoobuzz_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/twitter_32.png

Top 5 real estate posts of the day for 9/3/2009

1) HVCC: Who is the least interested – Does anyone like HVCC? Well it appears maybe loan officers do.

2) FHA on track for busiest year – As prices hit bottom, new buyers came onto the market, and FHA loans have become all the rage.

3) Tips for sellers for an open house – Not only good for sellers, but good for agents to use with their sellers.

4) Home Owners Association during closing – What are you really getting for your money? – David Lorti takes a look at the HOA and what their role is during the process of buying a house.

5) A message about the power of content, any content, for your real estate blog – Great message from Teresa Boardman, just get content out there.

http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/digg_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/reddit_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/stumbleupon_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/delicious_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/furl_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/newsvine_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/technorati_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/google_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/facebook_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/yahoobuzz_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/twitter_32.png

Top 5 real estate posts of the day for 8/20/2009

1) Buying a HUD home – A much underutilized resource for homebuyers looking to get into a home for as little out of pocket as possible.

2) Record 13.2 percent of mortgage loans in foreclosure or deliquent in Q2 – I like the ending “We are all subprime now”

3) Neighborhood Stabilization Program – Rail Life Style – This is a great example of someone taking a national issue and customizing it to their niche blog.

4)FHA saves duplex purchases for first time home buyers – You probably need to come up with 20% down to purchase a duplex with a conventional loan, but with FHA an owner occupied duplex can be had for much less down.

5) 203K and 203K Streamline series – Yes all these were published yesterday

http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/digg_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/reddit_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/stumbleupon_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/delicious_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/furl_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/newsvine_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/technorati_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/google_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/facebook_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/yahoobuzz_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/twitter_32.png

FHA 203k Streamline vs FHA 203k “Regular” Program, what is the difference?

fha-steamline-home-repairWhen thinking about buying a home that is in need of a few repairs, there are a small handful of options available. The most popular ones include the Fannie Mae HomePath Renovation loan (for homes that are owned by Fannie Mae), the FHA203k Streamline loan and the FHA 203k loan.

Many times when thinking about the FHA 203k loan program I am asked “what is the difference between the FHA 203k Streamline and the FHA 203k program?” and although the answer can be somewhat complicated, there is one magic number that separates the two.

FHA 203k Streamline vs FHA 203k: The Magic Number

The magic number that separates the Arizona FHA 203k streamline program from the FHA 203k “regular” program is $35,000. $35,000 is the amount of money that you can set aside for repairs under the FHA 203k streamline program and anything over that will mean that you need to try to qualify for the FHA 203k regular program.

FHA 203k Streamline Common Repairs

Many lenders will only underwrite the FHA 203k streamline program and the FHA 203k streamline program has some distinct advantages when considering rehabilitation financing. Some of the most popular repairs under the FHA 203k streamline program include:

  • Repair gutters and downspouts
  • Repair/upgrade of existing HVAC systems
  • Minor repairs of plumbing and electrical systems
  • Minor repairs of existing flooring
  • Minor remodeling that does not involve structural repairs
  • Exterior and interior painting
  • New appliances – which may include free-standing ranges, refrigerators, washers/dryers, dishwashers and microwaves but may not exceed $2,000
  • Improvements for accessibility for people with disabilities

FHA 203k Streamline: Popular Reasons to Choose

There are several popular reasons to choose the FHA 203k Streamline over the FHA 203k loan, and here are just a few:

  • There is no minimum threshold for amount of money for repairs (note: some lenders require a minimum, but not all)
  • Maximum allowance of $35,000 includes a 10% contingency for cost over-runs
  • General contractors / consultants are not required
  • Lender is responsible for ensuring cost to repair is reasonable for the area
  • Architectural exhibits are not required

More Information:

HUD 203k Streamline Mortgagee Letter

HUD 203k “Regular” Mortgagee Letter

For more information or to see if you qualify contact Justin McHood at 480.374.0303

http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/digg_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/reddit_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/stumbleupon_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/delicious_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/furl_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/newsvine_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/technorati_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/google_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/facebook_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/yahoobuzz_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/twitter_32.png

Top 5 real estate posts of the day 7/21/2009

Top 5 real estate posts of the day for 7/21/2009 [Read more...]

http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/digg_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/reddit_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/stumbleupon_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/delicious_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/furl_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/newsvine_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/technorati_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/google_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/facebook_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/yahoobuzz_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/twitter_32.png

Top 5 real estate posts of the day Monday 6/29/2009

Top 5 real estate post for 6/29/2009 [Read more...]

http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/digg_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/reddit_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/stumbleupon_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/delicious_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/furl_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/newsvine_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/technorati_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/google_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/facebook_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/yahoobuzz_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/twitter_32.png

Top 5 real estate posts of the day 6/22/2009

1) Housing is local – As a former political operative and politician one of my favorite books was by former Speaker Tip O’Neil called All Politics is Local. In the real estate it’s the same thing and here are two posts that prove it. Housing recover yet to emerge and Median sales prices on the rise.

2) Short sales: Who picks the price: If you are a buyers agent you need to know how short sales work from the other end so you can explain the process to your buyers.

3) FHA spot approvals are on their death bed – If you are looking for an FHA loan on a condominium the building needs to meet certain FHA requirements, such as occupancy rate. If the building does not meet certain criteria then you can always ask for a spot approval for that one unit, but now Kris Berg explains how that is about to change.

4) The problem with agents: They’re not selfish enough – Makes you think of the Gordon Gekko Greed is Good speech, but it really has nothing to do with that. Time is what Sean is talking about here.

5) Showing agent feedback: Faux Paus or KumBaYa? – Any of us who have have shown a few houses have been asked for feedback either directly from the agent or through an email system. I never really thought much about it and if we should fill out that feedback. This post gets you thinking.

http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/digg_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/reddit_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/stumbleupon_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/delicious_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/furl_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/newsvine_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/technorati_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/google_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/facebook_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/yahoobuzz_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/twitter_32.png

With new FHA limits coming, now may be the time to buy

If you are looking to buy a home in Maricopa County, and looking to take advantage of an FHA loan, now may be the best time to buy. The current limits for an FHA loan in Maricopa County are $346,250, but that will be changing after the first of the year. Come January 2009 the maximum limit of a FHA loan in Maricopa will be $271,050. So if you are looking to buy a home that is more than $271K and looking to use an FHA loan, now is the time to start looking.

http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/digg_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/reddit_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/stumbleupon_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/delicious_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/furl_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/newsvine_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/technorati_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/google_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/facebook_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/yahoobuzz_32.png http://deansellsaz.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/twitter_32.png